Jurisdiction Guide

Late spring, early summer, and early autumn (May to June and September) give you the mildest weather and fewer tourists. July and August are busier and pricier. Rain is always a risk, no matter the month.

Most shops and restaurants accept cards, but always carry some euros for small towns or taxis. Tipping in restaurants is common (about 10 percent), but not in pubs. Buses rarely take cash, so get a Leap Card for Dublin transport. People speak English everywhere; Irish (Gaelic) is used on signs and in some rural areas. SIM cards are available at the airport or city shops with competitive data packages.

A handshake is standard when meeting someone for the first time. Dress is casual but tidy in most places; churches expect covered shoulders. It's polite to wait for everyone to be served before starting a meal. Never rush pub staff; order at the bar and wait your turn. Avoid political debates about Northern Ireland unless you know your company well.

Petty theft happens in Dublin and major tourist spots, so watch your bags. Roads outside cities are often narrow, curvy, and sheep may appear suddenly. Tap water is safe to drink almost everywhere. Weather changes quickly, so always carry a rain jacket.

The Beara Peninsula promises wild scenery without the crowds of Kerry. Glenveagh National Park in Donegal has lonely mountains and a castle by a lake. The Aran Islands, reached by ferry, offer a glimpse of old Irish rural life and stone forts.

Visitors from the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and several other countries can stay up to 90 days visa-free for tourism. Non-EU citizens need prior approval for work or study visas. There is no specific digital nomad visa, but some tech workers enter on longer business or intra-company permits. Residency options are mainly for investors and skilled professionals.

Main cities connect by train and intercity bus; smaller towns are best reached by car. Domestic flights are rare, except to distant islands. Dublin has good public transport with its LUAS tram and bus network. Taxis and ride-hailing are widely available in cities, but rural coverage is patchy.

Try local favorites like Irish stew, soda bread, and fresh seafood. Pub fare often means hearty meat pies and chips. Guinness and whiskey are everywhere, but many locals favor craft beers and gin. Restaurants usually have a few vegetarian options, especially in cities, but smaller towns might be meat-heavy. Food hygiene is high, and tap water is safe.

Dublin is expensive, with mid-range meals often 20-30 euros and budget hotels from 120 euro a night. Galway and Cork are a bit cheaper, while the west and north offer better deals. Expect coffee around 3 euros and a pint from 5 to 6 euros. Hostels and self-catering cottages lower costs outside cities.